Targeting the central melanocortin system for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Nat Rev Endocrinol
; 19(9): 507-519, 2023 09.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37365323
ABSTRACT
A large body of preclinical and clinical data shows that the central melanocortin system is a promising therapeutic target for treating various metabolic disorders such as obesity and cachexia, as well as anorexia nervosa. Setmelanotide, which functions by engaging the central melanocortin circuitry, was approved by the FDA in 2020 for use in certain forms of syndromic obesity. Furthermore, the FDA approvals in 2019 of two peptide drugs targeting melanocortin receptors for the treatment of generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (bremelanotide) and erythropoietic protoporphyria-associated phototoxicity (afamelanotide) demonstrate the safety of this class of peptides. These approvals have also renewed excitement in the development of therapeutics targeting the melanocortin system. Here, we review the anatomy and function of the melanocortin system, discuss progress and challenges in developing melanocortin receptor-based therapeutics, and outline potential metabolic and behavioural disorders that could be addressed using pharmacological agents targeting these receptors.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
/
Metabolic Diseases
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Nat Rev Endocrinol
Journal subject:
ENDOCRINOLOGIA
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Estados Unidos